Tools of the BBQ Trade

Grilling is a fantastic (and incredibly tasty) hobby which, requires the proper tools. No matter what ceramic grill you’re using, there are some basics that everyone needs in order to get started, and as you work towards becoming a grill master, you’ll likely find different tools that you prefer. However, everyone should start with the basic tools of the trade:

Spatula – Make sure it’s a hefty metal one designed for grilling, as it will have a longer handle for safety.

Tongs – Good sturdy grilling tongs are also longer and often designed to pick up things easier than the kind you use in the kitchen.

Grilling Fork –

Basting Brush – There are special ‘no drip’ brushes that will allow you to brush on all kinds of goodness, and we highly recommend them.

Grill Brush – Although smoking and burning off the excess is the best way to clean a grill, you’ll want to be able to scrub the ash off and clean it mid-use for a second run of food.

Grill Light – If you’re grilling in the evening, this is obviously a necessity. They make kinds that clip to the grill, or you could wear a headlamp.

Meat Thermometer – There are dozens of different kinds, so it’s whatever suits your fancy. Having this on hand is especially important if you’re cooking steak or something similar.

Ash Tool – Your grill probably came with an ash tool to clean out the bottom of the grill and stir the coals, but just in case it doesn’t or you lost it, this definitely has to be on your list.

Heat Deflectors – These can help move the heat about so you can cook a whole meal at once without charring something. Most of them are ceramic and they come in all shapes.

Extra Cooking Racks – Kamado Joes are expandable so you don’t have to buy a second grill if you have more company than usual coming over, or want to cook multiple things. Just add another rack!

Pizza Stone – pizza is delicious on the grill. Enough said.

As I mentioned, I am sure that everyone has their own tool set, and honestly there are some on this list that I use less than others (I tend to prefer the tongs over the fork, for example) but it’s a good starting point.

So tell me, what tools do you commonly use? Leave a comment below and let’s compare!